But as Haggard, the former president of the National Association of Evangelicals, continued his tumble from a position of moral and political authority, few expected his admissions of "sexual immorality" to change minds or rattle the faith of those who shared his views.

"In the big picture, this is not going to change the determination and commitment by religious conservatives to our core principles to protect the family and religious freedom," said Dave Welch, executive director of the Houston Area Pastor Council, a coalition of ministers involved in conservative political and social issues.

Even some on the opposite political and religious aisles did not jump for joy.

"I haven't seen anyone shouting victory," said the Rev. Matt Tittle, pastor of Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church, who was involved in the unsuccessful opposition to the Texas marriage amendment passed last year. "It is a sad situation. It is unfortunate that he and his family and his church are in the situation they are in."

Haggard's fall from the top ranks of American evangelicals began last week with public accusations of drug use and a sexual relationship with a male escort. He resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals and was removed from his Colorado Springs, Colo., pulpit at New Life Church.

In a letter read Sunday at the church, Haggard confessed "sexual immorality," though he claimed that not all of the accusations leveled at him were true. He wrote that he was "a deceiver and a liar."

And a hypocrite to those who opposed Haggard's political efforts on behalf of banning same-sex marriage and other rights for homosexuals.

"It is a good case of schadenfreude to a lot of people who have disliked what he stood for," Martin said.

It is the hypocrisy that may most wound Haggard and his causes, Martin said.

"He should be in a better position to recognize that homosexuality is not a choice to be demonized," Martin said.

In recent years, Haggard has been part of a movement by evangelicals to broaden their political involvement as the National Association of Evangelicals has become involved in environmental causes and urging action against genocide in Darfur. But he has also been involved in traditional Christian family values issues.

"He has been part of a movement that has made sexuality the most important item on the Christian right's agenda, neglecting war and the economy," Martin said.

For some, Haggard's particular fall might cause some evangelicals to rethink their opposition to gay rights issues, Martin said. Others may just decide to "say the devil made him do it," he said.

Tittle doubts that the fall of a public figure sparks individual change of opinion.

"What makes a difference, what I tell people who are speaking out against homosexuality, is to sit down and talk to their friends who are gay. ... That is what strengthens the argument, is learning that everyone is a real person."

To proponents of Haggard's positions, one leader will also not derail the cause. But Haggard's resignation may cause organizers not to allow "the big boys to represent the entire church," said Welch, who is also the executive director of the U.S. Pastor Council, a national outgrowth of the Houston group.

"I think often what we tend to do is look at someone who is a spokesperson or head of a national group and they become the voice," he said.

"The reality is that the thousands of churches and pastors ... their credibility and faith has not been altered."